Mobbed!: What to Do When They Really Are Out to Get You

by Janice Harper

Is everybody out to get you? Are you being bullied and shunned not just by one, but by many? You may not be paranoid, you just might be being mobbed. In Mobbed! A Survival Guide to Adult Bullying and Mobbing, anthropologist Janice Harper, a regular contributor to Psychology Today and The Huffington Post, explores the group psychology behind collective aggression at work, school, the military, church or community. Unlike other anti-bully books that focus on "evil" people or "psychopath bosses," Harper shows how and why even good people will engage in inhumane behaviors in group settings—and what targets of their aggression can do to protect themselves once it starts. From studies in animal behavior to showing how administrators communicate behind the scenes when they want to eliminate someone, Dr. Harper takes the reader on an exploration of the underbelly of human nature to show step-by-step what happens to the pack when a leader—whether an alpha wolf or a disgruntled boss—wants one of its own to be gone.

Written by an anthropologist with expertise in organizational cultures and warfare, whose approach to workplace aggression has been cited as “paradigm shifting,” “fascinating,” “insightful,” “refreshing,” “provocative,” and “a voice of sanity,” Mobbed! A Survival Guide to Adult Bullying and Mobbing explains the primate behavior that humans engage in when interacting in groups and how to stop it, and protect yourself, at any stage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2013

Reviews

[Stephanie Scarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a sad thing that I felt like I needed this book in my life, but I did. The only problem is that it came to late to help me from being mobbed out of my job of 13 years. It's full of great information and practical advice. I highly suggest this book to anyone who feels that they are being bullied in their workplace!

[John Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book rips the facade off what most people think about bullying. Labeling people as a "bully" or "racist," etc. allows the mob to justify anything they do (say) against the person. It was an eye-opening read on human behavior and aggression. It also provided insight into how many in society deal with things they don't agree with.

[Aliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, is all I can say! Amazing info and advice!

[Lisa Roney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some flaws, but it’s deeply helpful anyway and helped to explain to me why I was never comfortable with the advice I found in most of what I’d read about bullying: First, that advice is simply not always realistic. If you are being mistreated by someone more powerful than you or someone who is a toady for those further up the chain, trying to get official help in holding them accountable will simply make matters worse and make you seem crazier and crazier. Second, you yourself may have been taken in and may have helped a bully mistreat someone else, and you need to realize that you don’t want to bully even a bully. You want to stop the workplace viciousness.

I do think Harper’s view is extremely pessimistic in that she’s saying that this is just how people and group dynamics are and that there is no changing them. I hope that’s not true, and obviously there are some places to work that are better than others. Harper even cites an example or two where complaints about bullying have been handled fairly. But I think Harper hits the nail on the head for dysfunctional workplaces where the incompetence, discrimination, and backstabbing are built into the structure and culture of the place. And I’m extremely grateful for her advice, which I’m following to the best of my ability.

[Mary Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

I wish I had this ahead of time, I would have made so many great decisions. Also, I would have controlled my emotions much better!

[Sandra Pepos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource if one has ever gone through this. Learned a great feal.

[Michael Cawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cautionary tale of workplace bullying and mobbing